Integrating Formal Research into a Participatory Process

This brief note describes the experience of integrating formal, quantitative research into participatory research (which included observations and informal discussions with farmers) in the context of a conservation tillage project in Zimbabwe. The report suggests that such an integration of formal and participatory research in the process of technology development not only facilitates the process of information sharing and co-operation between farmers and professionals, but also and more importantly helps the former to establish their own identity as human beings.